GoPro Max vs DJI Osmo Action 3
VS
Overview of the GoPro Max
GoPro Max
GoPro's 2019 360 camera: 5.7K video
The GoPro Max was GoPro's second attempt at a 360 camera and was released in 2019. It is still offers relatively good performance but it's age is showing in comparision with the more recent competition. It's replacement, the GoPro Max 2, is still to be released.
- Pros
- Good stabilization
- Cons
- Average image quality
- Ageing model
- Still excessively expensive
Overview of the DJI Osmo Action 3
DJI Osmo Action 3
DJI's 2022 premium action camera: 4K120fps video
The DJI Osmo Action 3 was released in 2022 and while it is a few years old, it offers incredible 4K120fps video at a very affordable price. It's successor, the DJI Osmo Action 4 is mostly an incremental improvement, making the Action 3 a great budget friendly action camera.
- Pros
- 4K120fps footage
- Freeze-proof
- Good image stabilization
- 52ft / 16m waterproof without case
- Cons
- Older model
Comparison of the GoPro Max vs the Action 3
Weight and size
The Action 3 is a slightly smaller camera. Both the GoPro Max and the Action 3 have similar weights.
GoPro Max
64mm x 69mm x 25mm / 2.52in x 2.72in x 0.98in
5.43oz / 154g
Features
Dimensions
Weight
DJI Osmo Action 3
70.5mm x 44.2mm x 32.8mm / 2.78in x 1.74in x 1.29in
5.11oz / 145g
Why size and weight matter:
Weight is important for action cameras because we often mount them on helmets, or hold them at the end of a selfie stick while moving. Therefore a heavier camera can be dvifficult to use or uncomfortable. Weight is even more crucial for certain sports like road cycling or running.
Battery life
The Action 3 offers a slightly better battery capacity. Both cameras have removable batteries.
GoPro Max
1600mAh
Removable
85min 5.7K30fps 360° and 105min at 1080p
Features
Battery capacity
Removable battery
Battery life
DJI Osmo Action 3
1770mAh
Removable
160min at 1080p
Why battery life matters:
Nothing worse than running out of battery just before capturing the best footage of the day! A long battery life is reassuring and convenient when shooting footage outdoors where options to charge are limited. Even the use of a power bank can be tedious or simply impossible like when filming watersports. Having removeable batteries allows battery swapping on the go which further extends your runtime.
Storage
Neither camera features built-in storage. Both the GoPro Max and the Action 3 support SD cards.
GoPro Max
No built-in storage
microSD
Features
Built-in storage
Storage format
DJI Osmo Action 3
No built-in storage
microSD
Why storage matters:
High quality footage can quickly take up lots of space and insufficient storage can soon be frustrating. Having a large amount of storage and the possiblity to extend it or swap SD cards while on a outing will ensure you will always be able to capture the footage you want. However, smaller, wearable action cameras often rely on built-in storage because of their small size.
Video performance
Only the Action 3 offers HDR video.
GoPro Max
1440p video at 60fps
HDR video unsupported
Features
Max resolution
HDR video
DJI Osmo Action 3
4K video at 120fps
4K
Camera and sensor technology
The GoPro Max offers a slightly higher resolution. Both feature a 155° field of view. The Action 3 features a much higher bit rate than the GoPro Max
GoPro Max
18MP
155°
78Mbps
Features
Pixels
Field of view
Video bite rate
DJI Osmo Action 3
12MP
155°
130Mbps
Camera settings
The Action 3's 100-12800 ISO range is far superior to GoPro Max's. Both cameras have the same exposure compensation adjustments.
GoPro Max
100-3200
+/-4
Features
ISO range
Exposure Compensation
DJI Osmo Action 3
100-12800
+/-4
GoPro Max vs Action 3 specifications
Name | GoPro Max | DJI Osmo Action 3 |
Year of release | 2019 | 2022 |
Width | 2.52in / 64mm | 2.78in / 70.5mm |
Height | 2.72in / 69mm | 1.74in / 44.2mm |
Depth | 0.98in / 25mm | 1.29in / 32.8mm |
Weight | 5.43oz / 154g | 5.11oz / 145g |
Waterproof | 16ft / 5m | 52ft / 16m |
Waterproof with diving case | - | 197ft / 60m |
Min operating temperature | 14°F / -10°C | -4°F / -20°C |
Max operating temperature | 95°F / 35°C | 113°F / 45°C |
Battery capacity | 1600mAh | 1770mAh |
Removable battery | Yes | Yes |
Battery life | 85min 5.7K30fps 360° 105min at 1080p | 160min at 1080p |
Charging time | 120min | 49min |
Storage format | microSD | microSD |
Storage rating required | Class 10 or UHS-I Rating | V30 or UHS-3 |
Maximun storage supported | 1TB | 256GB |
Rear screen size | 1.69in | - |
Field of view | 155° | 155° |
Sensor | 1/2.3" | 1/1.7" |
Pixels | 18MP | 12MP |
Aperture | F2.0 | F2.8 |
Focal length | 13-27mm | - |
ISO range | 100-3200 | 100-12800 |
Color Depth | 8bit | 10bit |
Video bite rate | 78Mbps | 130Mbps |
Exposure Compensation | +/-4 | +/-4 |
360-degree video | Yes | No |
5.7K 360 video | 30fps | - |
360 video format | GoPro 360 file | - |
4K video | - | 120fps |
2.7K video | - | 120fps |
1440p video | 60fps | - |
1080p video | 60fps | 240fps |
Slow motion at 4K | - | 4 |
Maximum slow motion | 2x | 8x at 1080p |
HDR video | - | 4K |
Stabilization | Max HyperSmooth | RockSteady 3.0 |
Horizon lock | Yes | - |
Video format | H.264 (AVC) H.265 (HEVC) | H.264 (MP4) |
Live streaming | 1080p30 | No |
Timelapse mode | Yes | Yes |
Starlapse mode | - | Yes |
Timeshift mode | Yes | Yes |
Loop recording mode | Yes | Yes |
Subject tracking | No | No |
Photo burst mode | No | No |
RAW format supported | Yes | Yes |
Microphones | 6 | 3 |
Stereo audio | Yes | Yes |
Noise reduction | Yes | Yes |
Audio format | wav | aac |
Wifi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
Bluetooth | BLE 4.2 | BLE 5.0 |
USB | Type-C USB | Type-C USB |
GPS integrated | Yes | No |
Voice commands | Yes | Yes |
Gesture commands | No | - |